They called, and we responded. But what unfolded was far more than a routine wildlife operation. It was a moment where conservation became “our responsibility;” where a community and conservationists stood shoulder to shoulder, united by purpose.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is currently undertaking the translocation of more than 10 bull elephants from conflict-prone areas around Salama Village in Laikipia West Constituency to a KWS-managed park. This initiative aims to reduce pressure on community farmlands while strengthening genetic diversity in their new habitat. The operation represents a proactive approach to human-wildlife coexistence, one that prioritizes both the protection of livelihoods and the safety of elephants before conflict can escalate.
A History of Coexistence
Salama residents have long coexisted with wildlife, especially elephants, as their natural movement corridors increasingly intersect with farms due to proximity to Rumuruti Forest. Attracted by cultivated crops, these intelligent animals recently raided farms, becoming habitual visitors. For communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, such raids can be devastating, destroying months of labour in a single night. KWS took decisive action, one of which focused on protecting livelihoods while safeguarding the elephants that are an integral part of Kenya’s natural heritage.
The translocation exercise, led by the KWS Veterinary and Capture Unit, involves sedating, lifting, and transporting the elephants to a secure habitat, where they can thrive without coming into conflict with human activities. The operation requires precision, expertise, and unwavering commitment from the teams on the ground.
When the Community Became the Team
What happened on day one of the exercise was something rare and deep. When the rains turned roads muddy trenches and recovery vehicles carrying sedated elephants became stuck, the people of Salama came out in large numbers to help the KWS teams push, pull, and clear paths for the trucks to move again.
A Model for Coexistence
The Salama translocation is a powerful example of the collaborative approach that KWS continues to champion across the country. As stipulated in the KWS Strategic Plan, the Service is committed to working with, for and alongside communities, in securing a future where people and wildlife thrive together. The plan recognizes that conservation success depends on strong partnerships with local communities, who are the true stewards of Kenya’s natural heritage.
By engaging communities as active participants rather than passive observers, KWS is building a conservation movement that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Salama community has demonstrated that when people are given the opportunity to protect what they value; they rise to the challenge.
A Call to Support
Just as the residents of Salama stood with KWS during day one of this exercise, embracing the work as a shared responsibility, your support can help empower the KWS Veterinary and Capture Teams to continue protecting wildlife, protecting communities, and securing a thriving future for both people and wildlife.
To learn more about how you can support and participate in our conservation efforts, please visit https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/donate. Every contribution makes a difference in protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage for generations to come.